There will be a buzz at the 48000-capacity Khalifa International Stadium when Qatari athletes will take to the pink surface in front of the home crowds at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 starting today.
The Qatari athletes will be competing against the world’s best during the 10-day event and they are ready for the tough challenge, aiming for a ‘big’ achievement.
The hosts are fielding 18 of their top track and field stars in the competition with reigning world high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim and 2018 Diamond League winner Abderrahman Samba (400m hurdles) being their main medal hopes.
“I’ am so excited about the World Championships at home,” Samba, who will be seen in action today in the first round of 400m hurdles, said yesterday.
“I am looking forward to do something big, more than a world record,” he added.
The star hurdler will also be competing in the 400m besides teaming up for the 4x400m relay.
Haroun Abdalelah will be Qatar’s other main hope in the 400m and the 22-year-old was upbeat about his chances.
“We have good athletes on the team this year. The coaches told me, ‘You are not the leader, but you’re going to help us,” Abdalelah told the IAAF.
“It’s a great feeling to be at the World Championships in Doha. It’s an amazing time for me,” he added.
Apart from Samba, Owaab Barrow will be the other Qatari star to be seen in action on the opening day when he will start his campaign in the 100m.
Barshim will start his title defense when the high jump event starts on October 1. Former under-20 world champion and 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Ashraf Amgad El Seify will also be seen in action on the same day.
Ogunode brothers Femi and Tosin are also eyeing to help Qatar to do well in the relay events.
Doha 2019 bid ambassador Marim Farid and Kenza Sosse, the two female athletes, will run 400m hurdles and 400m, respectively.
Asian Athletics Association President Dahlan Al-Hamad, who is heading the Local Organising Committee of Doha Worlds, backed the Qatari team to shine in the home event.
“As a Qatari we wish the team good luck. Obviously, we are looking to win medals in this mega event,” Al Hamad said yesterday.
“It will be a tough competition and all the athletes will have to be on their best to be on the podium,” said Al Hamad before hoping Barshim and Samba would excel.
“They had some injuries but we have been told by their physios that they have recovered and wish them to do well,” he added.
